American Faces #71 - It's about family.

American Faces #71

This story is about a streetwise kid who grew up to build a successful decades-long career. David Foy was a rambunctious, overzealous kid with more energy than he knew what to do with. But he also had a passion for life and a huge untamed heart. Maybe that’s what makes this such a fascinating story to me. It’s about a guy who eventually experienced love and redemption, which profoundly influenced the man he is today.

David still has that same passion, and a huge heart. He’s driven by integrity and strives to make a difference in the world – through his successful realty business, through his family and in his community. But David’s trajectory early in life would not have predicted his current path.

David’s early years were tough, with a fractured family and a constantly changing housing situation. His mom had a rough go of it even before he and his sister came along, and she continued to make life decisions that made things even more difficult for all of them. But all along the way, caring people helped David and his sister, Bonnie, navigate their turbulent childhood to become people living lives very different from the chaos they experienced growing up.

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David will be the first to say that his loving foster family, and the love and support of his wife, changed the course of his life. David will also tell you he is the man he is because of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that started at Camp Shamineau when he was just 12 years old. His story is about those relationships, and about all the people who believed in him and invested in his life – his sister, his foster parents, social workers, teachers, good people on the street, an amazing wife, kids, friends, coworkers and the list goes on.

Daivd and his wife Heidi of 41 years are now blessed with a big family, including several adopted children (and also many grandchildren). Their heart for adoption is in part fueled by David’s own story – a past in which he learned what it meant to be accepted by a family that loves him unconditionally. Every one of their children are loved and cherished, no matter their past or the challenges that come with it.

This isn’t meant to toot David’s horn, but I think it’s important to shine some light on the fact that some people might think this man’s incredibly hard life would be a reasonable excuse to hold things close, be protective, maybe even be a little selfish. Who would blame him, really? But having known and watched David for over 20 years, I can truly say he has a huge heart for people. He’s helped so many others in so many ways that it’s hard to describe. He lives life boldly and unapologetically, and with love and energy to spare.

So, my take-away on this story with David? In a world where humanity seems a little rough around the edges there are people like David, who’ve known joy, sorrow and everything in between who use their own experience to speak truth and love and transform others’ lives. We all have life experiences that have shaped us. If you think about it, that means each of us has the potential to be a world-changer too.

American Faces #70 - Hope!

American Faces #70

It's often said that we are a product of our surroundings. I know someone who blows that theory to pieces. Enter Johan Gjenvick American Faces No. 70. Before he was 18 he moved 20+ times within the state of Minnesota due to a difficult home life brought on by alcohol and a fractured family dynamic. Later in his teen years, his older sister took him in and did her best to provide the young man as much stability as she could.

Sitting next to Johan now, you might find it hard to believe what he went through in those early years. To see him now, a dashing smile, an honest demeanor and an incredible heart to help others. Those kinds of traits don’t just develop by accident. Those traits were planted and nurtured by people who poured themselves into Johan – some when he was young, but others as he matured into the man and father he is today.

This man doesn’t let his past define him. He chooses to provide a stable home and a solid marriage, and strives to be an involved dad to four awesome kids. He also pours himself into the lives of others in his business life as a financial advisor and mentor whenever he can.

I am amazed by people like Johan who aren’t defined by their past but define what the future of their lives are by being the change that is needed in their family story.

I like to close each American Faces story with a challenge. I’ll end this one with this: Go be a mentor, or a friend. Give a smile and an encouraging word to someone who needs it.

American Faces #69 - The Up-beat

American Faces #69

The infectious smile and engaging enthusiasm of my American Faces #69 subject, Keith Anderson, is what caught my eye. But that is not the end of the story, nor is it actually the beginning. I first saw this incredible drummer bring songs to life with his vibrant personality and ridiculous drumming skills at a concert of my friend, Joel Hanson.

A little background on Joel: he is the worship leader at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, MN. In his former life Joel was the front man for a Christian rock band that had chart-topping hits in the early 90’s. So enough on Joel.

Let me get to the real story. Keith’s is the story of a man who has had friends like Joel walk alongside him as his life was being rebuilt. Success and strife often walk hand in hand, and that is what Keith went through. He was behind the making of Risen Drums, which was a custom drum maker here in Minnesota. Risen Drums created sets for Christian bands like Needtobreathe, Toby Mac, Audio Adrenaline, as well as mainstream music artists Sara Bareilles and Kelly Clarkson.

Keith’s rise in the drum making business was fast. But behind the scenes of that rapid rise Keith faced trials he was not prepared for. The fast growth was hard on him personally. He was battered by the storms in his life that came in the wake of Risen Drums’ rapid growth, so he sold the company. Keith leaned towards me when he shared how much it meant to have Joel and others walk through these storms with him. They didn’t walk away when it got tough. In fact, they pushed through the storm to help Keith find restoration, healing and perspective.

This is really the lesson to Keith’s story: We are made better by others, and our stories are never over. Keith’s story isn’t over. He’s a man whose heart is turned towards his family, cherished by friends and as he puts it, “I have the best seat in the house” when he brings music to life through the insane gift he has for drumming. You can see this man is where he belongs. Keith’s infectious enthusiasm has only grown in strength and sincerity through hardship. Keith, you truly are a gift to this world.